Study Environmental Science from the mountains to the sea. During this pre-college opportunity, you’ll learn it…and live it! You’ll immerse yourself in the best of Hawaii. You’ll make a difference in the world.
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Comments about Hawaii Outdoors Institute

When I arrived in Hawaii I was nervous. But as soon as I stepped off the plane and was greeted by Greg, the director of Hawaii Outdoors Institute, I was immediately reassured. He and the counselors were so welcoming. Over the course of the month, I became best friends with the other campers as we journeyed through Ohia forests,looked down at the clouds from Mauna Kea, and surfed and sailed the Hawaiian oceans. We bonded with each other and the community through volunteer service projects, stu... (more »)

Reviews of Hawaii Outdoors Institute

Information about Hawaii Outdoors Institute

Summit to Sea Environmental Science: From the Mountains to the Sea

Ever wonder what you’re missing while staring at textbooks? On this exciting study abroad opportunity, you’ll learn it…and live it! The Island is our classroom with tropical beaches to snowy mountains at our fingertips. Taught by an adventurous college professor, you’ll immerse yourself in this place. You’ll find friends for life. You’ll make a difference in the world.

On our learning adventure we’ll tackle questions such as:

How do we prosper while living in harmony with our environment?
How can I conserve energy, without living in the dark?
Where does our food come from, and how do we feed a growing population?
How can I contribute to my home community?

Watershed and Ecosystem Health- What makes an ecosystem healthy? How do we keep it that way? Find out “hands on” through water testing technology and natural succession lab experiments in Hawaii’s most pristine environments. We’ll study the interconnectedness of life from the mountains to the sea. “When we pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything in the universe.” John Muir.

Food Systems- Visit thriving farms like Hip Ag, on the forefront of the local food movement. Get your hands dirty in Waipi’o Valley harvesting Hawaii’s most culturally significant food, taro. “Harvesting taro made me feel happy, free, lucky, small, and strong.” Olesya C. Portland, OR “This is my first time eating a banana that didn’t come from a store!” Ana M., Berkeley, CA

Sustainable Communities- Living with your peers, you’ll contribute to an organized and highly functioning group. You’ll be inspired by the early Hawaiian’s management of natural resources. You’ll be immersed in a culture that few visitors ever truly understand. “I realized Hawaii isn’t just a place where rich people go to resorts.” Kyle M, Hillsborough CA

Service- Earn a certificate for 15 hours of meaningful service. Give back to the environment we’ve enjoyed by preserving some of the most endangered species in the world. Work alongside field scientists to help them manage their preserves, and feel their enthusiasm. “Take care of the land, and the land will take care of YOU!” Uncle Les, Waipi’o Valley farmer

For your Final Project, you’ll develop a plan to apply what you’ve learned to your home community.

The planet belongs to future generations. As students- you are that future generation. Take the lead, and join us!

Dates: June 29th-July 19th, 2017 (21 Days)

Cost: $3495 (Hawaiʻi residents $2,995)

* COURSE SYLLABUS Many public and private schools award HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT for this experience. You’ll return with a notebook, a grade, and transcript to show your counselor. All schools are different, and getting prior approval is highly encouraged. Please print the syllabus to show your school in determining whether they will award credit.